Silk could take a whole book to explain. Briefly, there are natural, chemically treated and blends. Silk can be had in all the many weaves as other cloths, from plain weaves of almost gauze like wieght to heavy brocades. Some silks can cost literally thousands of dollars. There was a Japanese silk importer in Berkeley California now closing after years of business. With fewer traditional weavers and declining demand ( a traditional Kimono can cost a small fortune) their business is sadly no longer viable. I won't tell you what I paid for remnants or how many pretty horsey girls rode off into the sunset wearing them <img src="images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> I like the lightest wieght and plain weaves. You can fold up larger squares into small pockets and they drape better. Don't forget to have rolled hems sewn for durability. Silk clothing requires skill in care and cleaning. But for a cowboy rag or shemagh hand washing in Woolite and air drying works well. Finally if anyone makes a disparaging remark make them watch Kurasawa's Seven Samurai.